Israeli leader Netanyahu under increasing pressure in wake of Biden’s Gaza proposal
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel’s prime minister is facing mounting pressure following a proposed agreement by U.S. President Joe Biden to end the conflict in Gaza. Many Israelis are calling on Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the deal, but his far-right allies are threatening to bring down his government if he does. Netanyahu is adamant that a permanent cease-fire in Gaza is not an option until certain conditions are met to end the war. A large demonstration on Saturday in Israel, led by families of hostages held by Hamas, is urging the government to take action immediately. Mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar say the proposed agreement “provides a roadmap for a lasting cease-fire and resolving the crisis.”
Israeli army conducts internal investigations. What progress has been made?
JERUSALEM (AP) — Throughout the seven-month conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israel has faced criticism for alleged misconduct by its military. Israel maintains that it is capable of conducting internal investigations and has initiated numerous probes into the actions of its soldiers. However, following a deadly attack on a tent camp in Rafah, there is increasing international doubt about Israel’s ability to impartially and thoroughly carry out these investigations.
Former hard-line Iranian President Ahmadinejad enters presidential race
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran’s former hard-line president, has registered as a potential candidate for the presidential election on June 28, aiming to retake the country’s top political position after a helicopter crash claimed the life of the president and seven others. Ahmadinejad’s registration puts pressure on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During his presidency, Ahmadinejad openly challenged the 85-year-old cleric, and his attempt to run in 2021 was thwarted by authorities. His return comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the West over Iran’s nuclear program, support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict, and crackdowns on dissent.
Trump’s criticism of U.S. justice system post-verdict may benefit autocrats like Putin
Following his historic guilty verdict, Donald Trump launched a blistering attack on the U.S. criminal justice system, making baseless claims of a “rigged” trial that echoed sentiments from the Kremlin. Former senior White House national security advisor Fiona Hill and other analysts suggest that Trump’s criticisms could be advantageous to Russian President Vladimir Putin and other autocrats seeking to bolster their domestic standing, influence the upcoming U.S. presidential election, where Trump is expected to be the Republican nominee, and diminish the global influence of the United States. The Kremlin supported Trump’s assessment of the verdict, labeling it as the “elimination of political rivals by any means necessary.”
Black leaders question Trump’s contradictions in criminal justice as he protests guilty verdict
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump vehemently condemned the guilty verdict in his hush money trial this week in the same Manhattan courthouse where one of New York’s most infamous cases of injustice unfolded, a case in which he played a role. Trump criticized the criminal justice system as corrupt and biased against him, despite his past involvement in the wrongful convictions of five Black and Latino youths in the 1989 Central Park jogger case. Some Black Americans see irony in his critique.
Zelenskyy accuses China of interfering in Ukraine peace talks
SINGAPORE (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused China of collaborating with Russia to disrupt a Swiss-mediated peace conference on the Ukraine conflict. Speaking at a news conference in Singapore, Zelenskyy alleged that China is pressuring other countries and leaders not to participate, suggesting that China is playing into Russia’s agenda. The Ukrainian president lamented the misuse of China by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, noting the regrettable influence China has on the peace talks. Zelenskyy’s comments came after his participation in an annual security conference in Asia.
Most U.S. students are recovering from pandemic setbacks, but many are struggling to catch up
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — American schools have begun the process of helping students recover from the unprecedented learning loss experienced during the pandemic. However, progress has been inconsistent based on geographical location and economic status. Many students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, have made little to no progress in regaining lost ground from pandemic-related school closures. The Education Recovery Scorecard project at Harvard and Stanford reports that Virginia students were behind in reading by the equivalent of 70% of a grade level in 2023. Several states are reassessing their strategies to accelerate the recovery process.
Ugandan breast milk donors offer hope to struggling mothers
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — A network of breast milk donors has emerged in Uganda to support mothers grappling with challenges to keep their infants healthy. The nonprofit organization is the only group outside a hospital setting in the East African nation actively collecting and storing breast milk in significant quantities. Over 200 mothers have contributed milk to aid over 450 babies since mid-2021. The organization’s administrator emphasized the strong bond between the donors and the beneficiaries.
Mexican voters face decision between more populist policies or a tougher stance against cartels
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican voters casting their ballots for the next president have a choice between a former academic advocating for the continuation of populist policies and an ex-senator and tech entrepreneur who pledges to intensify the fight against violent drug cartels. Nearly 100 million registered voters in Mexico will also select governors in nine states, along with all seats in both houses of Congress. The election is viewed as a referendum on President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a populist leader who has expanded social programs but struggled to curb cartel violence.
California firefighters combat wind-driven wildfire east of San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California firefighters, supported by aircraft, are battling a wind-driven wildfire near the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The Corral Fire, fueled by gusty winds, is burning near the laboratory and the city of Tracy, located 60 miles east of San Francisco. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has updated the size of the fire to 15.6 square miles. Interstate 580 connecting the San Francisco Bay Area to central California has been closed in both directions near the fire.
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